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Every morning, shortly after I wake, I do my “sit-spot” practice outside in our front yard. This is a practice of simply sitting and being present with everything in nature. It’s a beautiful way to begin my day with the freshness of the morning air, the sun beginning to peek through the leaves, the squirrels racing up and down the oak trees, and most of all, the birdsong.

I relish hearing the variety of birds in our neighborhood. On those beautiful, bright, sunny mornings it is pure delight to sit by our grassy patch and hear a bird calling from the tall redwood tree 5 houses down to the right, and to hear the high-pitched clicking sound of a hummingbird as it zooms in for a drink from our Mexican sage.

This morning, however, was quite different than the others for the last couple of months. It was dense with cloud-cover, and rain was expected. For California in June, this is rare. With ordinary eyes, one might wake up, see the dismal looking skies, and decide to just pull the covers over the head and go back to sleep. A dreary, cloudy day. Continue Reading »

The mind likes to do a lot of comparing. Am I doing as well as that person over there? My yoga poses suck. I am the best in the class! Their car is nicer than mine. It would be easy to write pages of this, wouldn’t it? It’s all too familiar.

In my years as a counselor, it’s become apparent to me that comparison is the root of depression. We wish things were different than they are, and we tend to focus on what we don’t have, or what isn’t happening right now. This is a sure-fire way to ruin your mood, and it does nothing for creating what you really want. Continue Reading »

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Testimonials

Awakening Self

"Your yoga classes have literally "awakened" in me the ability to view myself and the world in a more compassionate way. I have taken this new awareness into my very soul. You have shown me the 'light', namaste."

~ Diane Boggie, Mountain View, CA

Awakening Self

"Your yoga classes have literally "awakened" in me the ability to view myself and the world in a more compassionate way. I have taken this new awareness into my very soul. You have shown me the 'light', namaste."

~ Diane Boggie, Mountain View, CA

Awakening Self

"Dear Connie - Unfortunately I live too far to enjoy your classes but I sure do look forward to your monthly newsletter 'Awakening Self'. I read portions of it to my Yoga classes, as well as use the Quotes on the end to share with the participants. They love it! Read more

~ Mary Anna Jansen, Brentwood, CA

Awakening Self

"Connie is one of those precious few who are able bring much insight, flexibility and heart to human concerns. She is someone who I admire and who I would recommend without hesitation."

~ Nicole Gottfried Zapien, San Francisco, CA

Awakening Self

“Connie has been my therapist since I went through a very difficult time after becoming a new mom. The transition from couple to family was very stressful for me, and having her there to support me has been one of the best experiences of my life. Connie is absolutely one Read more

~ TL, Mountain View, CA

Awakening Self

“I know I expressed my delight in seeing you again and how much I loved your class, but I really wanted to give you more feedback. When I said you were a master teacher, I really meant it. Teaching a beginning class is not easy and you did it with Read more

~ Clarice Hirata, Mountain View, CA

Awakening Self

“Connie supported me during difficult days of parenting my seriously depressed teenage daughter. There was a “grand canyon” of miss-communication and distrust between us. Through guided meditation, Connie reconnected my authentic self with that of my daughter's. I began to heal immediately. With continued support from Connie, my parenting was Read more

~ KD, Los Altos, CA

Awakening Self

"Connie is a gem. Connie's vast experiences and wisdom are clearly evident in her teaching and counseling. As a yoga teacher, not only is she well versed in teaching the physical practice, but also weaves a philosophical and spiritual message in her classes. This is Connie's gift to us; she Read more

~ Lynn Cheng Kaylor, Fremont, CA

Awakening Self

“Connie's website, AwakeningSelf.com is aptly named. Of the many gifts I've received as a student and yoga teacher training mentee of Connie's, the most profound has been greater ability to go within and cultivate peace. As a new yoga teacher I was a skeptic of the chakra system and planned Read more

~ Erika Meir, San Jose, CA

Awakening Self

“Connie is a fabulous yoga instructor, and a genuinely good person. She has a deep knowledge of yoga. More importantly, she imbues her class with a sense of how to become one's best self once one leaves her practice session. Her classes have made me fit physically and mentally.”

~ Laurie Iwami, Mountain View, CA

Awakening Self

“Connie is an amazing yoga teacher and yoga therapist. She weaves her extensive knowledge of yoga, Sanskrit, the body and yoga philosophy into each class. She gives students individual attention and support to help them get the most out of the class, creating a safe and nurturing environment. I feel Read more

~ Tim Custis, Sunnyvale, CA

Awakening Self

“Connie is a top notch yoga instructor. She incorporates incredible variety into her classes, and provides clear instruction with sensitivity to each student. She has a special way of weaving philosophy and "life lessons" into each class, I've benefitted greatly from participating.”

~ Barry Hicks, SF Bay Area

Awakening Self

“I used the search function and found your newsletter articles pertaining to the yamas and niyamas. Wonderful reads! Great reminders of what we've talked about in the group.
I am not exaggerating when I say that the group has truly and deeply changed my life. I have never felt more content Read more